We are here to start something

Leading us in the right directionFrom our Executive Team to our Board of Directors, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida has a compassionate and dedicated group of individuals on our side that are willing to do whatever it takes to help change children’s lives for the better.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Leadership

JADA H. SMITH, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Jada Smith recently joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida in September of this year. Jada most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer for the American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region where she served for more than 11 years. Jada’s extensive background includes experience in operational management, strategic planning, human resources, leadership development, fundraising and public relations.

Jada attended Florida A&M University in Tallahassee and graduated from Upper Iowa University where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Public Administration. Jada believes in volunteerism and gives generously of her time to multiple organizations throughout Central Florida.

Board of Directors

Executive Board

Jacquee Wahler, MBA, President, BBBSCFL, Walt Disney World, Director Internal Communications

Anne-Marie Barrett, Treasurer, BBBSCFL, Cross, Fernandez & Riley, LLP, Tax Manager

Rich Bradley, Secretary, Shoppers’ Critique International, COO

John Z. Paré, Immediate Past President, BBBSCFL, Attorney

Mike Ferguson, Human Resources Director, Lockheed Martin Simulation Training & Support

Arne G. Haak, Executive Vice President and CFO, Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc.

Corkey Newman, Community Volunteer, Brevard

Timmy Rupeiks, Partner, Vaco Orlando, LLC, Manager Client Services

Scott Spivey, Interim Group President, CHEP Americas

Ed Timberlake, Chairman, Central Florida Board, Seaside National Bank and Trust

GENERAL BOARD

Alan Apte, Judge, 9^th Judicial Circuit

John Ashworth, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Mark Battia, Senior Project Manager, Turner Construction Co.

Bill Becker, Director, CE Property Services Group

Chuck Bell, Prinicipal Director of Planning, Baker Barrios

Lisa Blackwelder, Development Officer, BETA Center

Chris Bordner, Bordner, Townsend & Associates

Keith Charlton, Sales Manager, Pirates Adventure Dinner Theatre

Sandra Chen, Director, Legal Affairs, Universal Orlando

Janean Davis, President, Inspiring Minds Institute

Jeff Davis, Regional Sales Manager, Cox Radio

Sean DeMartino, Senior Vice-President, Balfour Beatty Construction

Alex Diaz, CBS Radio

Elizabeth Gianni, Vice President, Government Relations, Sanford Burnham

Mark Goldstein, President/CEO, Central FL Christian Chamber of Commerce

Rodney Hughes, President, SouthStar Distribution Services LLC

Amy Kaufeldt Brown, News Anchor, Fox 35

Fred Kittinger, Associate VP, UCF

Erik Kohler, President, Kohler Mortgage & Kohler Realty

Steve Lamontagne, General Manager, Suntree Country Club

Mark Lamoriello, President, LAMCO Advisory Services

Edwin Loftin, VP of Nursing, Parrish Medical Center, Incorporated

Mike McLean, Owner/President, McLean Insurance Group

George McNeilly, Owner, McNeilly Communications

Tom McThenia, Shareholder, Gray-Robinson

Marc Mero, Founder, Champions of Choice

Matt O'Kane, Partner, Lowndes, Drosdick

Todd Persons, President, Todd Persons Communications

Jessica Rivera, Chief of Staff, Commissioner John Martinez

David Salazar, CEO, Axis Orlando

Ed Schrank, President, Trident Development

Cory Skeates, Executive Director, Oviedo-Winter Springs Chamber of Commerce

Grace Vasquez, On-Air Personality, K92FM

David Wolf, Vice-President Internet Marketing, InBusiness, Inc.